Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with implants. The procedure is done to ease pain and improve shoulder function. Each year over 100,000 shoulder replacement surgeries are performed in the United States making it the third most common type of joint replacement, after knees and hip.

Types of shoulder replacement

The two most common types of shoulder replacement are

Primary Total Shoulder Replacement

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Both types replace the “total” shoulder joint, meaning an implant replaces the damaged parts of both the “ball” and “socket” of the shoulder joint. The major differences between the two types is the position of the implants and the muscle groups used for movement after surgery.

What happens during shoulder replacement?

During a primary total shoulder replacement, the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder joint is replaced with an implant that includes a stem with a smooth, rounded metal head. The socket (glenoid) is replaced with a smooth, rounded plastic cup that fits the rounded metal head. Primary total shoulder replacement mimics the natural ball and socket anatomy of the shoulder joint and may be recommended for patients with advanced arthritis of the shoulder joint and a healthy, intact rotator cuff.

During a reverse total shoulder replacement, the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder joint is replaced with an implant that includes a stem with a curved plastic tray. The socket (glenoid) is replaced with a rounded metal head that moves inside the curved plastic tray. It’s called a Reverse because the implants reverse the ball and socket of the shoulder joint which allows the stronger deltoid muscles to take over for strength and function. Reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended for patients with:

What types of implants are used for shoulder replacement?

There are different types of shoulder replacement implants available. Your surgeon will evaluate you and your situation before choosing an implant that best meets your health needs. To learn more about the shoulder replacement implants available from Wright, see our Shoulder Solutions page.

When is shoulder replacement recommended?

Shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have tried and failed to get relief from rest, ice or moist heat, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs aspirin or ibuprofen) and corticosteroid injections in the shoulder.

Do you have more questions about shoulder replacement?

Spotlight On

The SIMPLICITI™ Shoulder System is a stemless implant for shoulder replacement that preserves more bone than a traditional long-stemmed shoulder replacement implant. WATCH THE VIDEO

Talk to your surgeon about whether joint replacement or another treatment is right for you, as well as the recovery time and potential risks of the procedure, including the risk of implant wear, loosening or failure, pain, swelling and infection. Individual results may vary. The performance of joint replacement depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. For complete product information, including indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential adverse effects, visit www.wright.com/shoulder-prescribing-use

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